In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 30, 2025, a party at a vehicle and boat detailing business in Harriman, Tennessee, turned fatal. Holden Howse Lavita, an 18-year-old male from Lenoir City, was shot in the head and later pronounced deceased at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. The gathering, attended by more than twenty young people, was held at the Mr. Clean business location, a property owned by a member of the Harriman City Council.
Reports indicate that alcohol and firearms were present at the party.
The investigation into the shooting led authorities to a 17-year-old male from Rockwood. Harriman Police had conducted a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle that was leaving the party, and the juvenile suspect was an occupant of that car. Further investigation suggested that this individual was allegedly responsible for shooting Lavita. He is also accused of assaulting another 18-year-old male, Terre Lee, by striking him with the same gun. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was brought in to assist with the case due to the number of witnesses and multiple scenes involved.
Following the investigation, the 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody. Petitions for second-degree murder and aggravated assault were filed in Roane County Juvenile Court. Friends and family of Holden Lavita described him as a loving and kind individual who was working to turn his life around. He was a high school senior taking online classes and supported himself through construction work and as a delivery driver. Having recently celebrated his 18th birthday, he was reportedly at the party to continue the celebration. His mother shared that he had overcome personal struggles and was aspiring to be a positive role model for other young people.
